Knocking out trans fat would have benefits

Americans are obsessed with food, but they seem to have a better understanding that not all foods are created equal - that some are a lot worse for them than others. Chalk it up to education campaigns, the growth of the "foodie" movement, the increase in organics and the implementation of calorie charts on food menus, among other things.

Amid this cultural backdrop, the Food and Drug Administration has announced it is beginning the process of removing artificial trans fat from the food supply, an ambitious effort to say the least, but one that doesn't seem to be drawing much ire or attention from the public.

To be sure, everyone will be better off when artificial trans fats no longer are used in preparing food. New York City was one of the first to take this approach by prohibiting restaurants from using trans fats, which are thought to contribute to heart disease.

Supplanting trans fat with other oils in cooking has many benefits - including keeping down the costs of health care. Such costs end up being borne by everyone who pays for health insurance and by taxpayers who end up covering the cost for people on Medicare and Medicaid.

The FDA first must take into account comments from the food industry and the public before it develops a timeline for phasing out trans fats.

This process could take years, but it is a worthy goal.

"I think it's one of the most important life-saving actions that the FDA could take," Michael Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest in Washington, told USA Today.

In fact, FDA actions already have made a difference.

For instance, many food makers voluntarily stopped using some of the oils after the administration began requiring trans fat content on food labels.

Nevertheless, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials estimate 5,000 Americans per year die of heart disease related to artificial trans fat in the food supply, and three times that number will get heart disease as a result.

The country still is dealing with many health problems related to food, particularly child obesity. A sound diet and exercise are critical to fighting the problem. But knocking out trans fat also is a good step; the FDA should proceed in a timely fashion.

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Knocking out trans fat would have benefits

Americans are obsessed with food, but they seem to have a better understanding that not all foods are created equal ? that some are a lot worse for them than others. Chalk it up to education